Estate Living November 2016 Digital Issue | Page 37

of the original property investors to resell. Prices fell and the new
buyers were the real winners. Having said that, the new owners are
almost all starting to build. There’s been a lot of building over the
last three years, and it kind of snowballs. Stand owners are inspired
to build as they see houses going up next door, and our estate
has become a community with nearly 50% of the homeowners in
residence.”
The developers were a partnership between the original landowner,
local property developer Lionel Donnelly, golf course gurus Golf
Data, and WBHO Construction. Work started on site in 2005 and, at
the end of 2006, the Jack Nicklaus signature golf course was officially
opened at a fabulous function attended by members, guests and of
course, the designer: golf legend Jack Nicklaus.
Early property investment in the estate was substantial, with most
of the initial sales before and shortly after the official opening.
But there are still some properties available direct from the
developers held onto their properties, some of the best on the estate,
so as not to compete or compromise. Today, these are available at
market prices. The developers will remain fully supportive of the
estate during the selling period before handing over the club and
Top left: St Francis Links

estate to the members.”

15th Hole Jack Nicklaus Course
Bottom right: Clubhouse

HERE AND NOW
St Francis Links is an impressive place to live. It’s close to some
fabulous beaches, with iconic surf spots, great fishing and a range
of other water sports. You can ride a horse on the beach, go hiking,
mountain biking or paragliding, paddle on the Kromme River,
visit some interesting historical and cultural sites, and really spoil
yourself with fabulous restaurants and coffee shops, great shopping

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developers because, as Jeff explains, “During the resale period, the